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Purpose Methods Results Conclusions To evaluate the short‐term (1 week after completion of treatment) effect of office‐based vergence and anti‐suppression therapy (OBVAT) on binocular vision and accommodative function when compared to observation alone in children with small‐to‐moderate angle intermittent exotropia (IXT).In this single‐masked (examiner masked), two‐arm, single‐centre randomised clinical trial, 40 participants, 6 to <18 years of age with untreated IXT were randomly assigned to OBVAT or observation alone. Participants assigned to therapy received 16 weeks of OBVAT (60 min per visit, once per week) with home reinforcement (15 min per day, 5 days a week). Therapy included vergence, accommodation and anti‐suppression techniques. This paper reports the results of clinical measures of binocular vision and accommodation, including fusional vergence, near point of convergence, vergence facility, amplitude of accommodation, the Worth 4‐dot test and the Fusion Maintenance Score (FMS).Treatment group differences at the primary outcome visit significantly favoured the OBVAT group (n = 20) over the observation group (n = 16) in negative fusional vergence break point at both distance (p ≤ 0.001; r = 0.58) and near (adjusted mean difference: 12.3 Δ; 95% CI: 5.3–19.3 Δ; p = 0.001; partial eta squared: 0.28), positive fusional vergence break point at both distance (p = 0.009; r = 0.43) and near (adjusted mean difference: 20.6 Δ; 95% CI: 11.8–29.4 Δ; p ≤ 0.001; partial eta squared: 0.41), vergence facility (adjusted mean difference: 5.6 cpm; 95% CI: 1.9–9.4 cpm; p = 0.005; partial eta squared: 0.22) and the FMS (p = 0.007; r = 0.44).In this randomised clinical trial of participants aged 6 to <18 years with IXT, those in the OBVAT group had a significantly better fusional vergence range, vergence facility, near Worth 4‐dot test result and FMS than the observation group at the 17‐week visit. The improvement in these areas further support the effectiveness of OBVAT for improving IXT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the long‐term stability of clinical measures of convergence (near point of convergence [NPC] and positive fusional vergence [PFV]) in participants enrolled in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial‐Attention and Reading Trial (CITT‐ART) who received 16 weeks of office‐based vergence/accommodative therapy. Methods: A total of 310 children, 9–14 years old, with symptomatic convergence insufficiency were enrolled in CITT‐ART. Some 270 completed both their 16‐week primary outcome visit followed by a 1‐year follow‐up visit. Of those 270, 181 (67%) were randomised to the vergence/accommodative therapy. Of the 181 in the vergence/accommodative group, 121 (67%) reported not receiving any additional treatment after the 16‐week primary outcome visit. The mean change in NPC, PFV and percentages of children classified by the predetermined success criteria of convergence (normal NPC [<6 cm] and/or improved by ≥4 cm; normal PFV [passing Sheard's criterion and base‐out break >15Δ] and/or improved by ≥10Δ) were compared at the 16‐week primary outcome visit and 1 year later. Results: Of the 121 who returned for their 1‐year follow‐up visit, there was no significant change in mean adjusted NPC (reduction of −0.2 cm; 95% CI: −1.0 to 0.5 cm) at 1 year. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean‐adjusted PFV (−4.7∆; 95% CI: −6.5 to −2.8Δ) at 1 year. There were similar percentages of participants classified as 'normal' (p = 0.30), 'normal and/or improved' (p > 0.50) and 'normal and improved' (p > 0.14) based on NPC and PFV at the 1‐year visit compared with the 16‐week primary outcome visit. Conclusion: The improvements in NPC and PFV following 16 weeks of vergence/accommodative therapy (with no reported additional treatment thereafter) in children with symptomatic convergence insufficiency persisted 1‐year post‐treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the change in the magnitude of near exodeviation in children with symptomatic convergence insufficiency successfully treated with office‐based vergence/accommodative therapy in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial–Attention and Reading Trial. Methods: A total of 131 children 9–14 years of age with symptomatic convergence insufficiency classified as successfully treated with office‐based vergence/accommodative therapy at the 16‐week outcome visit were included. Masked examiners measured the near ocular deviation by the prism and alternate cover test at baseline, primary outcome and 1‐year post‐treatment. The mean change in near deviation was calculated from baseline to primary outcome, from primary outcome to 1‐year post‐treatment and from baseline to 1‐year post‐treatment. Results: Of the 131 participants successfully treated with vergence/accommodative therapy, 120 completed the 1‐year post‐treatment visit. A significant change in near exodeviation was observed at baseline to primary outcome (2.6Δ less exo, p < 0.001, moderate effect size d = 0.61) and at baseline to 1‐year post‐treatment (2.0Δ less exo; p < 0.001, small effect size d = 0.45). The change from primary outcome to 1‐year post‐treatment (0.6Δ more exo; p = 0.06, small effect size d = 0.11) was not significant. Forty per cent (48/120) of participants had a decrease in near exodeviation >3.5∆ (expected test/retest variability) between baseline and the primary outcome examination. Of the 120 participants, one (1.0%) was esophoric at the primary outcome and was subsequently exophoric at 1‐year post‐treatment. Four participants (3.3%) who were orthophoric or exophoric at the primary outcome were esophoric (all ≤3∆) at the 1‐year post‐treatment visit. Conclusion: On average, the near exodeviation was smaller in size immediately after the discontinuation of vergence/accommodative therapy (2.6∆, moderate effect size) and 1 year post vergence/accommodative therapy (2.0∆, small effect size) in children with convergence insufficiency who were successfully treated; 40% had a clinically meaningful decrease in exophoria. The development of near esophoria was rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual difficulties are common after brain tumors, despite a lack of visual complaints at diagnosis. These include difficulties with eye movements, visual coordination, vergence, accommodation, and photophobia, in addition to more obvious problems such as visual field defects. This case report presents the results of a thorough neuro-visual evaluation in a boy with sequelae after a brain tumor including intermittent double vision that was not explained by routine visual examination. Subjective complaints included poor reading perseverance, intermittent blurred and double vision, headache around the eyes when performing near activities, less efficient eye movement behavior in reading tasks, and increased sensitivity to visual motion. The patient participated in a multidisciplinary visual rehabilitation program that included reading glasses with prism compensation and tinted glasses, as well as training with the aim of improving eye teaming, near vision functions, and perseverance in eye movements. The patient responded quickly to the vision therapy program, with positive changes after just four weeks. Repeated neuro-visual evaluations over eight months showed remarkable improvements that were stable over time. This encouraging case report supports the notion that neuro-visual evaluation and rehabilitation should be included in the follow-up of patients after brain tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the short‐term (1 week after completion of treatment) effect of office‐based vergence and anti‐suppression therapy (OBVAT) on the Office Control Score when compared to observation alone in children with small‐to‐moderate angle intermittent exotropia (IXT). Methods: In this single‐masked (examiner masked), two‐arm, single‐centre randomised clinical trial, 40 participants, 6 to <18 years of age with untreated IXT, were randomly assigned to OBVAT or observation alone. Participants assigned to therapy received 60 min of OBVAT with home reinforcement once per week for 16 weeks. Therapy included vergence, accommodation and anti‐suppression techniques. The primary outcome measure was the comparison of the distance Office Control Score between the two groups at the primary outcome visit (i.e., 17‐week follow‐up visit). Results: At the primary outcome visit, the OBVAT group (n = 20) had a significantly better distance Office Control Score (adjusted mean difference: −0.9; 95% CI: −0.2 to −1.5; p = 0.008; partial eta squared: 0.19) than the observation group (n = 16). Participants from the OBVAT group were more likely than those from the observation group to have ≥1 point of improvement at the 17‐week visit (OBVAT group: 75%; Observation group: 25%; p = 0.006). Conclusions: In this randomised clinical trial of participants aged 6 to <18 years with IXT, we found that the OBVAT group had a significantly better distance Office Control Score than the observation group at the 17‐week visit. This study provides the first data from a randomised clinical trial demonstrating the effectiveness of OBVAT for improving the control of IXT. Eye care practitioners should consider OBVAT as a viable, non‐surgical treatment option for IXT. A full‐scale randomised clinical trial investigating the long‐term effectiveness of OBVAT in treating IXT is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The preschool orthoptics visual screening program began in Brunei Darussalam in 2004 to detect amblyopia, a common cause of treatable visual disorders in children. Amblyopia can be asymptomatic, easily missed, and cause permanent adverse visual consequences; hence, it is necessary to be screened. The parental role in ensuring timely visual screening is pivotal to their child’s visual well-being and educational success. This study explored parental awareness and reasons for their nonattendance. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 401 parents was conducted in the Brunei-Muara district in private kindergarten schools and maternal and child health clinics. A self-designed and self-administered questionnaire was used. Data collected was analysed using RStudio in the form of descriptive and analytic statistics. Results: The study findings showed that 52.8% defaulted their screening and there was a significant association between parental awareness and the defaulters (p < 0.05). Only 39.9% of parents were aware of the screening service availability, and 50.1% had not taken their children for an eye check. The most significant sociodemographic factor that influenced awareness of the importance of vision screening was parental employment status (p = 0.013), revealing a 4.43 times higher likelihood of default if the father was unemployed. This study found that with each additional child, parents are 1.25 times less likely to seek eye screening (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The main reason for nonattendance was a lack of awareness of the situation and parents believed that their children were seeing well. Mitigating child visual screening defaults requires a community-focused approach.

Lauren N Ayton,1– 3,&ast; Karyn L Galvin,4,&ast; Lauren Johansen,5 Fleur O’Hare,1,3 Emily R Shepard5 1Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; 2Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; 3Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia; 4Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; 5UsherKids Australia, Mordialloc, VIC, Australia&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Lauren N Ayton, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 202 Berkeley Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia, Email layton@unimelb.edu.auBackground: Usher syndrome is the most common cause of deaf-blindness, affecting up to 1 in 6000 people. Multidisciplinary care is required to maximize outcomes for individuals and families. This study assessed awareness of Usher Syndrome amongst allied health clinicians who provide care related to the primarily affected senses of hearing and vision, ie, optometry, orthoptics and audiology.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional online survey of clinicians working in Australian university-affiliated clinics (7 optometry, 1 orthoptics and 4 audiology) was completed between September 2021 and January 2022. Questions were asked about the cause, common symptoms, and awareness of health professions who manage Usher syndrome.Results: The 27 audiologists, 40 optometrists, and 7 orthoptists who completed the survey included 53 females (71.6%), had an average age of 37 years (range 24– 70), and had an average duration of clinical experience of 13 years (range 1– 45 years). The majority of respondents correctly identified Usher syndrome as a genetic condition (86%), identified at least two of the affected senses (97%), and identified the progressive nature of the vision and hearing losses (> 90%). Awareness of vestibular dysfunction and its characteristics was low, as was knowledge of the key treatment roles that speech pathologists, genetic counsellors and geneticists play in the management of Usher Syndrome. The majority of respondents also did not identify important aspects of care within their own discipline.Conclusion: This study has shown that there is a need for targeted education to be delivered to hearing and vision care allied health clinicians to raise awareness of the vestibular impacts and aspects of vision loss experienced by people with Usher syndrome. This education needs to target the broad range of clinicians who have a key role in providing multidisciplinary care (including speech pathologists, geneticists, and genetic counsellors) and to identify the key aspects of good-quality multidisciplinary care.Keywords: deaf-blindness, optometry, audiology, orthoptics, genetics, physiotherapy

Introduction: It is well documented that socioeconomic disadvantage adversely affects general health and ocular health worldwide. Within orthoptics, while clinicians recognise a relationship between socioeconomic situation and treatment outcome, no previous literature review was found to address this issue. Neither was a UK-specific literature review found to address the same issue for ophthalmology as a whole. Aim: This literature review evaluates evidence for an association between socioeconomic situation and ophthalmic/orthoptic conditions and their treatment outcomes, specifically within the UK. Methods: Keyword searches were conducted on Google Scholar and the University of Liverpool library catalogue. Results for the main analyses were limited to full papers, specific to the UK, written in English. Literature was only included from pre-2000 if more recent evidence was insufficient. Results: There is evidence of socioeconomic disadvantage being associated with the following: reduced visual acuity; reduced attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening appointments; and delayed presentation of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. However, evidence linking socioeconomic disadvantage to AMD is mixed. There is limited evidence of the increased prevalence of amblyopia and subsequent barriers to its treatment for socioeconomically underserved children. There is also evidence of a reduction in quality of life for socioeconomically underserved adults with strabismus. Conclusions: Health inequalities within ophthalmology and orthoptics are reported, but with confounding results for some conditions. Further research should explore the reasons behind the inequalities that are found and identify methods of reducing them.

In the last two years, orthoptists have counteracted patient drop-out through visual telerehabilitation. Efforts were made to transfer the in-person visual rehabilitation setting to the telematic environment in response to the worldwide crisis. Nowadays, statistical evidence on the effects of visual telerehabilitation is still scarce. The present research is the first, in Italy, to offer a pre-post assessment of the impact of visual telerehabilitation. Twenty-four (n = 24) children (64% male, 14% monocles) aged 4 to 15 years (mean age = 9.21 years, SD = 3.36, mean residual vision 1.3/10) were randomly assigned to three different group types for rehabilitation: a telematic rehabilitation group (n = 7), a mixed rehabilitation group (n = 8), and an in-person rehabilitation group (n = 9). Each group underwent a six-week visual rehabilitation. Ergo-perimetric evaluation before and after the rehabilitation was administered to the three groups. t-tests showed a significant improvement in ergo-perimetric outcomes in the visual telerehabilitation group (p < 0.05) and in the mixed rehabilitation group (p < 0.01), via a shortening of the response times. The findings suggest that visual telerehabilitation and mixed rehabilitation can lead to an ergo-perimetric improvement in visually impaired children within six weeks. Further research is needed, both to corroborate the findings with a larger sample size and to attain a follow-up measurement in order to clarify whether visual telerehabilitation could represent a stand-alone method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment in India. Myopia is a common refractive error that can also be defined by a spherical equivalent (SE) =-0.5 dioptre (D). To explore the combined effect of Yogic eye exercise and Diet compared with Yogic eye exercise in the management of myopia. Method: In a comparative study, 28 students diagnosed with myopia were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received a naturopathic diet protocol and Yoga eye exercises, and Group B received Yogic eye exercises. Improvement in myopia was assessed as the mean change in refractive error - Spherical equivalent (SE) from baseline. Result: The mean SE values were reduced post-intervention in both groups. Within-group comparison of SE pre- and post-intervention showed a significant reduction in SE measures in Yoga and diet (Group A) for the right and left eyes at 95% CI with a p-value of 0.003 and 0.01 respectively. There were no significant changes in SE values in the Yoga-only group. When compared between groups, no statistically significant changes were observed in SE. Conclusion: The group that followed the diet combined with Yoga showed better improvement in preand post-assessments for both eyes. But when compared between the two groups there were no statistically significant changes in SE. Yogic eye exercise proved beneficial in both groups, but the results are better when combined with diet. The findings need to be verified further by conducting a large-scale placebo-controlled clinical trial with a wider population base on diverse age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To assess the role of orthoptics in referring patients with orbital floor blowout fracture (OFBF) for conservative or surgical treatment and based on the results, to propose a scoring system for such decision making. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 69 patients with OFBF was performed (35 treated conservatively, 34 surgically). The role of orthoptics in referring to surgery or conservative treatment was retrospectively evaluated, the factors with the highest significance for decision making were identified, and a scoring system proposed using Logistic regression. RESULTS: According to defined criteria, the treatment was unsuccessful in 2 (6%) surgically treated and only in one (3%) conservatively treated patient. The proposed scoring system includes the defect size and several values resulting from the orthoptic examination, the elevation of the eyebulb measured on Lancaster screen being the most significant. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates the benefits of orthoptic examination when making decisions on conservative or surgical treatment and for diagnosing ocular motility disorder (with or without binocular diplopia) in OFBF patients. The proposed scoring system could, following verification in a prospective study, become a valuable adjunctive tool.

Aim: To report the outcomes of the natural progression and ophthalmic treatment of patients reviewed in a tertiary hospital trust with unilateral or bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Method: A retrospective case note analysis was performed and 33 patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) were identified. The diagnosis, aetiology, presence of diplopia, ophthalmic management options and progression were recorded and analysed. This included both conservative and surgical management. Results: The most common aetiologies of INO within this cohort were stroke/ischaemic (69.7%) and multiple sclerosis (MS) (30.3%). Unilateral INO was more prevalent than bilateral INO, with 20 cases (60.6%) compared to 13 cases (39.4%), respectively. A higher proportion of unilateral INO were attributed to stroke (90%) whilst a higher proportion of bilateral INO were attributed to MS (61.5%). The most prescribed management at primary assessment was occlusion (45.5%) and prisms (24.2%). Some patients required no orthoptic intervention (30.3%). Two patients had surgical management of strabismus secondary to bilateral INO. Conclusion: Occlusion was the most common form of management for symptomatic relief of diplopia. Patients who presented at the first visit with no symptoms were unlikely to need any orthoptic intervention. Of the two patients who went on to require surgical intervention, restoration of binocular single vision (BSV) was achieved post-operatively with the use of a Fresnel prism. However, the differences in both surgical technique and number of surgeries required make this difficult to generalise. Additional research is needed to further explore the surgical management of INO.

This study highlights the role of cycloplegic refraction in the detection of accommodative spasm and the use of tropicamide 1% as cycloplegic and single vision plus lens for its management. This was a case study carried at tertiary eye hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. In this study, 2 subjects presenting with complain of sudden onset of diminution of vision for near and distance along with asthenopic symptoms having history of prolonged near work were recruited. Pre-cycloplegic refraction showed fluctuating myopic refractive error which after cycloplegia showed a significant hyperopic shift. Single vision plus lens (base on post-mydriatic treatment) giving optimal vision for near and distance along with tropicamide 1% twice a day basis and abstinence of triggering factor was started as initial treatment modality. Subjects were kept under close surveillance and followed up fortnightly over 2 months. During this period, the dosages of tropicamide were gradually tapered based on symptomatic relief of patient and no recurrence of the condition was observed in both subjects for next 2 month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 29-year-old female presented with large-angle hypertropia, and small-angle exotropia associated with inferior oblique over action (IOOA). Orthoptic examination revealed right hypertropia of 35 PD with 12 PD of exotropia by prism cover test. There was no restriction of ocular motility, but we found right inferior oblique over action. She had a head tilt of approximately 30 degrees towards the left side. The Patient underwent "Antero-medial transposition of the inferior oblique" to correct strabismus. After surgery, she was orthotropic in the primary position with an average head-chin posture. Single approach surgery like the antero-medial transposition with an overacting inferior oblique may help to correct the large angle hypertropia associated with superior oblique (SO) palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This audit aimed to investigate whether COVID-19 had any impact on the incidence and type of ocular motility defects in patients presenting to Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) Emergency Department (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to the previous year. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for all patients presenting to BMEC ED during 2019 and 2020. Patients were classified depending on their diagnosis. The incidence and classification of ocular motility defect were analysed. Factors considered during analysis were number of presentations by year and month; COVID-19 tests; and pre-existing conditions. Results: Two hundred and twenty-one patients presented in 2019, and 260 patients in 2020, an increase in incidence of 17.6% was observed. One hundred and eighty-five patients were classified with new-onset neurogenic conditions in 2019, and 222 patients in 2020, an increase of 20.0%. In 2020, most patients presented in July, November, and December. Overall, there was a 91.3% increase in new-onset fourth cranial nerve palsies in 2020. Fifty-seven patients in 2020 had a Polymerase Chain Reaction COVID-19 test, of these 5 were COVID-19 positive. Conclusion: There was a higher incidence of ocular motility defects in 2020 compared to 2019. The majority of ocular motility defects were classified as neurogenic. It is difficult to attribute this increase to COVID-19 due to lack of testing and results, and confounding variables such as pre-existing conditions and lockdown restrictions. Some potential explanations for the change in presentations across the year of 2020 are proposed.

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term (1 week after completion of treatment) effect of office-based vergence and anti-suppression therapy (OBVAT) on binocular vision and accommodative function when compared to observation alone in children with small-to-moderate angle intermittent exotropia (IXT)., Methods: In this single-masked (examiner masked), two-arm, single-centre randomised clinical trial, 40 participants, 6 to <18 years of age with untreated IXT were randomly assigned to OBVAT or observation alone. Participants assigned to therapy received 16 weeks of OBVAT (60 min per visit, once per week) with home reinforcement (15 min per day, 5 days a week). Therapy included vergence, accommodation and anti-suppression techniques. This paper reports the results of clinical measures of binocular vision and accommodation, including fusional vergence, near point of convergence, vergence facility, amplitude of accommodation, the Worth 4-dot test and the Fusion Maintenance Score (FMS)., Results: Treatment group differences at the primary outcome visit significantly favoured the OBVAT group (n = 20) over the observation group (n = 16) in negative fusional vergence break point at both distance (p ≤ 0.001; r = 0.58) and near (adjusted mean difference: 12.3 Δ; 95% CI: 5.3-19.3 Δ; p = 0.001; partial eta squared: 0.28), positive fusional vergence break point at both distance (p = 0.009; r = 0.43) and near (adjusted mean difference: 20.6 Δ; 95% CI: 11.8-29.4 Δ; p ≤ 0.001; partial eta squared: 0.41), vergence facility (adjusted mean difference: 5.6 cpm; 95% CI: 1.9-9.4 cpm; p = 0.005; partial eta squared: 0.22) and the FMS (p = 0.007; r = 0.44)., Conclusions: In this randomised clinical trial of participants aged 6 to <18 years with IXT, those in the OBVAT group had a significantly better fusional vergence range, vergence facility, near Worth 4-dot test result and FMS than the observation group at the 17-week visit. The improvement in these areas further support the effectiveness of OBVAT for improving IXT., (© 2024 College of Optometrists.)

Aim: To report the outcomes of the natural progression and ophthalmic treatment of patients reviewed in a tertiary hospital trust with unilateral or bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Method: A retrospective case note analysis was performed and 33 patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) were identified. The diagnosis, aetiology, presence of diplopia, ophthalmic management options and progression were recorded and analysed. This included both conservative and surgical management. Results: The most common aetiologies of INO within this cohort were stroke/ischaemic (69.7%) and multiple sclerosis (MS) (30.3%). Unilateral INO was more prevalent than bilateral INO, with 20 cases (60.6%) compared to 13 cases (39.4%), respectively. A higher proportion of unilateral INO were attributed to stroke (90%) whilst a higher proportion of bilateral INO were attributed to MS (61.5%). The most prescribed management at primary assessment was occlusion (45.5%) and prisms (24.2%). Some patients required no orthoptic intervention (30.3%). Two patients had surgical management of strabismus secondary to bilateral INO. Conclusion: Occlusion was the most common form of management for symptomatic relief of diplopia. Patients who presented at the first visit with no symptoms were unlikely to need any orthoptic intervention. Of the two patients who went on to require surgical intervention, restoration of binocular single vision (BSV) was achieved postoperatively with the use of a Fresnel prism. However, the differences in both surgical technique and number of surgeries required make this difficult to generalise. Additional research is needed to further explore the surgical management of INO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This audit aimed to investigate whether COVID-19 had any impact on the incidence and type of ocular motility defects in patients presenting to Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) Emergency Department (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to the previous year. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for all patients presenting to BMEC ED during 2019 and 2020. Patients were classified depending on their diagnosis. The incidence and classification of ocular motility defect were analysed. Factors considered during analysis were number of presentations by year and month; COVID-19 tests; and preexisting conditions. Results: Two hundred and twenty-one patients presented in 2019, and 260 patients in 2020, an increase in incidence of 17.6% was observed. One hundred and eightyfive patients were classified with new-onset neurogenic conditions in 2019, and 222 patients in 2020, an increase of 20.0%. In 2020, most patients presented in July, November, and December. Overall, there was a 91.3% increase in new-onset fourth cranial nerve palsies in 2020. Fifty-seven patients in 2020 had a Polymerase Chain Reaction COVID-19 test, of these 5 were COVID-19 positive. Conclusion: There was a higher incidence of ocular motility defects in 2020 compared to 2019. The majority of ocular motility defects were classified as neurogenic. It is difficult to attribute this increase to COVID-19 due to lack of testing and results, and confounding variables such as pre-existing conditions and lockdown restrictions. Some potential explanations for the change in presentations across the year of 2020 are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Digital eye strain is the physical discomfort felt after 2 or more hours in front of a digital screen, including cell phones. Digital eye strain is otherwise known as computer vision syndrome. Trataka is to look at or to gaze--it is a preliminary step for meditation that involves staring at a single point such as a small object, black dot, or candle flame. Objective This study aimed to analyze the effect of trataka kriya in the management of digital eye strain. Materials and Methods Thirty participants of the age group 18 to 40 years were recruited in the study. The study design was a pre-post experiment. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. The study included participants who use laptops or smartphones for a minimum of 2 hours daily and also participants having eye strain, dry eyes, burning sensation in the eyes, headache, and eye fatigue. They performed trataka kriya exercises once a day on alternative days for 1 month. Outcome measures was a computer vision syndrome questionnaire to assess the visual fatigue experienced by the study participants and the Schrimer test to find out whether the eye produces enough tears to keep it moist. Statistical Analysis and Results Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. To compare the computer vision syndrome questionnaire and Schrimer test before and after interventions paired t-test was used. A p-value of less than 0.05 is considered significant for the study. Conclusion The study concludes that there was an improvement in the subjects with digital eye strain after performing trataka kriya. The clinical implication of the study is that this method can be used as one of the nonpharmacological interventions for digital eye strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two years, orthoptists have counteracted patient drop-out through visual telerehabilitation. Efforts were made to transfer the in-person visual rehabilitation setting to the telematic environment in response to the worldwide crisis. Nowadays, statistical evidence on the effects of visual telerehabilitation is still scarce. The present research is the first, in Italy, to offer a pre-post assessment of the impact of visual telerehabilitation. Twenty-four (n = 24) children (64% male, 14% monocles) aged 4 to 15 years (mean age = 9.21 years, SD = 3.36, mean residual vision 1.3/10) were randomly assigned to three different group types for rehabilitation: a telematic rehabilitation group (n = 7), a mixed rehabilitation group (n = 8), and an in-person rehabilitation group (n = 9). Each group underwent a six-week visual rehabilitation. Ergo-perimetric evaluation before and after the rehabilitation was administered to the three groups. t-tests showed a significant improvement in ergo-perimetric outcomes in the visual telerehabilitation group (p < 0.05) and in the mixed rehabilitation group (p < 0.01), via a shortening of the response times. The findings suggest that visual telerehabilitation and mixed rehabilitation can lead to an ergo-perimetric improvement in visually impaired children within six weeks. Further research is needed, both to corroborate the findings with a larger sample size and to attain a follow-up measurement in order to clarify whether visual telerehabilitation could represent a stand-alone method.

Background and Objectives: In patients with orbital floor blowout fracture (OFBF), accurate diagnosis of ocular motility disorder is important for decisions about conservative or surgical therapy. However, the accuracy of the traditional test for detecting binocular diplopia/ocular motility disorder using a moving pencil or finger (hereinafter, “finger test”) has been generally accepted as correct and has not been subject to scrutiny so far. Hence, its accuracy relative to full orthoptic examination is unknown. Materials and Methods: In this paper, the results of the “finger test” were compared with those derived from a complex examination by orthoptic tests (considered “true” value in patients with OFBF). Results: “Finger test” detected ocular motility disorder in 23% of patients while the full orthoptic examination proved much more efficient, detecting ocular motility disorder in 65% of patients. Lancaster screen test and test with color filters were the most important tests in the battery of the orthoptic tests, capable of identifying 97.7% and 95.3% of patients with ocular motility disorder, respectively. Still, none of the tests were able to correctly detect all patients with ocular motility disorder in itself. Conclusions: As the presence of ocular motility disorder/binocular diplopia is an important indication criterion for the surgical solution of the orbital floor blowout fracture, we conclude that a complex orthoptic evaluation should be always performed in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effectiveness of office-based vergence/accommodative therapy with home reinforcement for intermittent exotropia in a private practice environment. This was a retrospective chart review study. Patients who received office-based vision therapy for intermittent exotropia in a private optometric clinic were reviewed. Patients with intermittent exotropia treated with and without strabismus surgery were both included. The pre-therapy baseline data were compared to the re-evaluation data obtained at the last therapy session. All patients received office-based vergence/accommodative therapy administered by a trained therapist during a 60 min office visit every one to two weeks, combined with home reinforcement for a minimum of 15 min, five times per week. The primary outcome measure in this study was the change in the Office Control Score from the pre-therapy visit to the post-therapy visit. The hypothesis was that office-based vergence/accommodative therapy would significantly improve the Office Control Score. Forty patients aged from 5 to 22 years old fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eight of them were postoperative patients. After treatment, there was a change of −1.1 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001, z = 3.73, effect size: 0.42) and −1.1 ± 1.4 (p < 0.001, z = 4.26, effect size: 0.48) in distance and near Office Control Score, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, significant improvements in the Office Control Score were observed in both the operated and unoperated intermittent exotropes at distance and near. This study showed that office-based vergence/accommodative therapy with home reinforcement significantly improved the distance and near control of exodeviation in both operated and unoperated intermittent exotropia patients in a private practice environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate the results in the use of different modes for alternating presentation of stimuli in the orthoptic treatment of strabismus in children.Material and methods. The study included 41 patients with a nonparalytic strabismus (30 children with esotropy and 11 children with exotropy) aged from 7 to 16 years. For additional studies of binocular functions, we used a modified Bagolini test and our own stereo-test created for the conditions of anaglyph separation of visual fields. During the first examination the results with all the used stereo-tests (the Flytest, the Lang-test, and the stereo image that we created) were negative. Besides to the static presentation of test images, three different modes of alternating presentation of stimuli were used: 1) with consecutive monocular presentation of visual stimuli corresponding to the right and left eye; 2) with the presence of an empty interval between monocular phases; 3) with the presence of a binocular phase between monocular phases. The duration of the monocular and binocular phases, as well as the empty interval, was regulated by the researcher. Depending on the results of the examination, an optimal mode of alternative presentation of stimuli for the orthoptic tr eatment was selected individually.Results. In the duration of the monocular phase 50 ms in combination with the duration of an empty interval 50 ms, the majority of children (32 of 41) with strabismus were able to have stereovision. As a result of orthoptic exercises, the number of patients capable of bifoveal fusion increased from 24.4% to 48.8%. Stereovision appeared in 39% of children according to the Fly-test and in some cases according to the Lang-test. In all children with moderate amblyopia the visual acuity increased on average from 0.23±0.01 to 0.52±0.05 (p

Care for children with acquired brain injury requires a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to maximize rehabilitation. These children frequently present to the orthoptic clinic with complex difficulties impacting visual functions and eye movements. We report on one case which led to a reevaluation of our current assessment methods, clinical care pathways and the contents of clinic correspondence. We present a case report of a 14-year-old girl who suffered a cardiac arrest due to underlying Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome; MRI revealed hypoxic brain injury with extensive white matter and basal ganglia volume loss. On presentation, it was evident there was a significant impact on visual function. Conventional optotype acuity testing was not possible. Her inability to maintain fixation made observational responses unreliable. Observations revealed no steady fixation, exotropia and roving eye movements. Although she was reported to be unable to speak, progress with communication was reported and she was able to give repeatable, reliable responses to indicate "yes" or "no." These cues were used and a response of 1.70 cycles per degree was obtained under binocular conditions. This communication method was also utilized to assess visual fields by confrontation. However, the clinic letter written by the ophthalmologist based on the orthoptic assessment simply provided the acuity score with no interpretation of the information or how it was obtained. This case highlighted the importance of understanding a child's communication methods so that assessment can be appropriately adapted. The referral letter was lacking in detail regarding the patient's abilities but equally the ophthalmology letter provided limited detail impacting on the MDT practitioner's ability to understand and apply the information. This case has highlighted the importance of good communication: professionals need to acknowledge and work with an individual's communication methods so that assessment can be completed. Professionals also need to improve communication of relevant findings to others involved in the patient's care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a rare case of cyclotorsion likely secondary to medial rectus and inferior rectus pathology in a patient with orbital trauma. Sequential orthoptic measurements including Hess charts are presented alongside relevant sections of the orbital CT scans over the course of the patient's treatment. Following the insertion of a plate to repair an orbital floor fracture, the patient developed cyclotorsion. A combined approach of sequential orthoptic assessment and imaging revealed the likely underlying mechanism. Inferior rectus mechanical restriction combined with displacement of the medial rectus pulley appear to be the likely culprits. Once the orbital plate was exchanged for a smaller sized plate the patient's symptoms and clinical features resolved. Although orbital plate malpositioning is not an uncommon event, medial rectus deviation as a cause of cyclotorsion has not previously been described. We discuss the alternative differentials for patients with similar orthoptic findings and how they were excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little research that examines the accuracy of paediatric referrals into secondary and tertiary care, particularly those from general practicioners (GPs) to ophthalmology and orthoptic departments. Inaccurate referrals could have a detrimental effect on service delivery and NHS funding as well as patient experience. Available evidence shows GP referral accuracy to range between 39% and 90% across different areas of medicine with accuracy of GP referral to ophthalmology between 56% and 66%. Methods: A retrospective case note analysis was carried out on 99 case notes to examine the accuracy of paediatric GP referrals (including those via the community optometrist) into the Orthoptic Department at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH). Results: GP referral accuracy was found to be 63% for strabismus cases, 50% for reduced vision/amblyopia cases, 45% for NAD cases, 100% of nystagmus cases and 92% of "other" cases. GPs were significantly less accurate than community optometrists (p = 0.01). Referrals from GPs alone had an accuracy rate of 65% compared to 87% of GP referral via community optometrist. Accuracy of referral appeared to improve with age, however this was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.06). Conclusion: This study found orthoptic referral accuracy for GPs in Manchester to be similar to other areas of medicine. While acceptable compared to other areas of medicine, improving referral accuracy is essential to improve NHS spending, service delivery, and patient experience. To aid with this the aim is to design and implement a virtual training package that focuses on detection of strabismus to improve referral accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The preschool orthoptics visual screening program began in Brunei Darussalam in 2004 to detect amblyopia, a common cause of treatable visual disorders in children. Amblyopia can be asymptomatic, easily missed, and cause permanent adverse visual consequences; hence, it is necessary to be screened. The parental role in ensuring timely visual screening is pivotal to their child's visual well-being and educational success. This study explored parental awareness and reasons for their nonattendance., Methods: A cross-sectional study of 401 parents was conducted in the Brunei-Muara district in private kindergarten schools and maternal and child health clinics. A self-designed and self-administered questionnaire was used. Data collected was analysed using RStudio in the form of descriptive and analytic statistics., Results: The study findings showed that 52.8% defaulted their screening and there was a significant association between parental awareness and the defaulters ( p < 0.05). Only 39.9% of parents were aware of the screening service availability, and 50.1% had not taken their children for an eye check. The most significant sociodemographic factor that influenced awareness of the importance of vision screening was parental employment status ( p = 0.013), revealing a 4.43 times higher likelihood of default if the father was unemployed. This study found that with each additional child, parents are 1.25 times less likely to seek eye screening ( p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The main reason for nonattendance was a lack of awareness of the situation and parents believed that their children were seeing well. Mitigating child visual screening defaults requires a community-focused approach., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s).)

Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness of Fresnel prism in the complex treatment of friendly strabismus.Patients and methods. The main group consisted of 428 patients with strabismus, who were assigned Fresnel prisms in combination with pleoptoorthoptic and surgical treatment. Indication for the appointment of Fresnel prism with a friendly strabismus was: angle of strabismus to 25 degrees, postoperative residual angles. The age of the patients ranged from 4 to 60 years. We evaluated the visual acuity without correction and with correction, refraction, character of vision, ability to bifoveal fusion evaluated with synoptophore. The results were compared with a control group treated without Fresnel prisms.Results. During initial selection of Fresnel prisms, doubling was revealed in 73% cases. With the constant wearing of glasses with Fresnel prisms, in which the state of orthotropy is achieved, in most patients doubling was cupped in the period from 2 weeks to 3 months. During the first month, doubling stopped in 72% of patients, and the minimum periods for arresting double vision were noted in preschool children. The absence of doubling served was an indication for surgical correction of strabismus. After the surgery, a good cosmetic effect was achieved in 392 persons (97%), and the state of orthotropy was in 330 of people (81.7%). Doubling after the operation was not observed, there was no relapse of strabismus. Comparative analysis of the main and control groups showed that in the main group of patients the use of prisms combined with pleoptoorthoptic and surgical treatment made it possible to restore binocular vision in 32.9% of cases.Conclusion. The use of Fresnel prism in the complex treatment of friendly strabismus in children allows to obtain not only a good cosmetic effect, but also to develop binocular vision in 32.9% of cases. The use of Fresnel prisms in the preoperative period in adults allows avoiding postoperative double vision, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence of strabismus because of the development of mechanisms for the formation of a single binocular image.

Aims: To validate the content of an updated orthoptic curriculum for the British & Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS), BIOS members were surveyed about their views on what an orthoptist should be able to do soon after entering the profession. Methods: An online survey of all practicing members of BIOS was carried out. In 35 questions across 5 domains (professional behaviour, foundation knowledge and theory, investigation, management and research and literature skills) covering the range of orthoptic practice, orthoptists were asked about the breadth and depth of knowledge required. Results were analysed by the respondents’ working environment, experience, geographical region and teaching involvement. Results: 325 orthoptists (27% of the membership) provided useable data, and 265 provided a full dataset. Orthoptists are frequently required to exercise considerable autonomy and responsibility for patient care from very early in their careers across many domains, often in the least-supervised environments. There was broad agreement across most core topics but wider variation in opinion in more peripheral domains. More experienced orthoptists value the wider medical aspects of orthoptic practice more highly. Conclusions: The survey confirmed that there is generally a good match between current undergraduate teaching and clinicians’ expectations of newly graduated orthoptists. It is clear that training must prepare graduates for a high level of professional autonomy from the earliest stages of their careers. There may be a place for targeting CPD provision for professionals at different stages in their careers.

This paper describes a novel model of learning, designed to enhance interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC). Lessons learned, plans for sustainability and future directions for policy, practice, implementation, and curriculum training are also discussed. The RIPE-N model (Reflective Interprofessional Education – Network model) was developed for an interprofessional simulation environment involving five health professions – pharmacy, nursing, orthoptics, physiotherapy, and speech pathology with the potential to increase the number of health professions involved. The RIPE-N model was adapted from the original RIPE Model (Reflective Interprofessional Education Model), utilising unfolding multidisciplinary case from admission through to discharge. Key adaptations of RIPE to include a greater focus on professional practice and the opportunity for collaboration by all disciplines. Reflection is critical to the RIPE-N model to develop the reflective practitioner, hence the inclusion of collaborative reflective ('pause and reflect') stations aimed at improving collaborative clinical decision-making skills among diverse healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the current practice patterns of pediatric ophthalmologists in the management of strabismus in Punjab. Study Design: Questionnaire based Practice pattern survey. Place and Duration of Study: Teaching hospitals of Punjab from July 2018 to July 2019. Material and Methods: This study was conducted at ophthalmology departments of various teaching hospitals of Punjab. A questionnaire was designed to find out the current practice pattern for management of strabismus. Ophthalmologists who were members of Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan (OSP), having their expertise in strabismus surgery for more than 5years and practicing pediatric ophthalmology were selected. Discussion was also held regarding questionnaire and practices being performed after filling the proforma. This data was compiled, analyzed and was converted to a summary in points. Results: We contacted 90 ophthalmologists out of whom 76 responded to our Questionnaire. Complete Orthoptic Assessment was performed by only 46% (35) of the ophthalmologists. Prism cover test was used as a diagnostic tool by 70 (92%) ophthalmologists. Rest of the ophthalmologists used Synoptophore with it. Percentage of ophthalmologists performing cycloplegic refraction was very low. Only 5 (6.57%) surgeons used adjustable sutures. Only 46% of surgeons used to explain the complications of Anesthesia. More than 90% of surgeons explained the surgical procedures being done, its complications, post-operative care and need to use glasses or need for orthoptic exercises. All the surgeons kept follow up of the patients on 1st post-operative day. Conclusion: The current practices in strabismus need to be standardized and a consensus should be developed at a national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Bagolini striated lenses are a useful test of binocular vision, but the variations in the striations (frequency and thickness) can impact on the perceived image. Also, responses can be difficult to interpret in young children. Therefore, the aims of this project were to evaluate the impact of striation frequency and the addition of coloured filters on subjective responses. Methods: Three sets of striated lenses were made (small, medium and large striations), each produced in two forms (both lenses clear, or with a red and blue lens). Also, Bagolini glasses (Optiker Ryser) were used, with and without the addition of red and blue filters. Subjects were asked to report what they perceived, with subsequent questions regarding the number and length of lines. Results: Forty-two adult subjects were tested, with uniocular VA ranging from –0.18 to 1.10 logMAR (mean 0.08 ± 0.25). The number of lines seen when varying the line thickness did not vary between coloured and clear lenses (post-hoc analysis following ANOVA, p > 0.1 in all comparisons). Adding red/blue filters to the original Bagolini glasses did not alter the rates of subjects perceiving a cross (Chi-square, p = 0.8). However, the laser-cut lenses produced a significantly shorter light streak than the original lenses (One-way ANOVA, p < 0.001), but the colour of the filters made no difference to the length of streak perceived (Tukey’s Test, p = 0.20). Conclusions: The addition of coloured filters did not impact on the responses given to the original or laser-cut lenses, suggesting this modification may aid responses in children. However, further evaluation is required with finer striations and thinner lenses to improve the visibility of the lines.

Aim: Orthoptists are perhaps the only allied health profession without a standard home visits service in the UK, although it could arguably be of benefit to many orthoptic patients. The aim of this survey was to identify whether home visits are being offered, or have the potential to be offered, within the orthoptic profession. Method: A survey of the orthoptic professional body (BIOS) for the UK and Ireland was developed and data collected between January and March 2016. Descriptive analysis was used to report the quantitative findings. A thematic analysis approach was undertaken for the written responses within the free-text boxes of the survey. Results: 461 BIOS members responded to the survey (response rate of 30.7%). Ten hospital sites (3.7%) reported offering home visits, and 444 members (96.3%) reported that they do not offer home visits, with little desire or perceived need for such a service. Only certain patients reportedly meet requirements for an orthoptic home visit, including those unable to attend the hospital due to poor health, transport issues, reduced cognition, stroke and learning difficulties. Implementation barriers were reported including staff safety, assessment quality and cost. Conclusion: Home visits are infrequently conducted within the orthoptic profession. However, where offered, certain patient groups were suggested to benefit from this service when they cannot attend hospital and thus, home visits could present a viable means of providing equitable visual care. Future research is required to explore orthoptic home visits compared to other forms of rehabilitation, and address concerns from the orthoptic professional body.

Aim: In 2007 a national orthoptic survey identified poor provision of vision assessment for stroke survivors. The purpose of this study is to report a 10-year update of this survey to identify changes in clinical practice over recent years. Methods: An online practice survey of registered orthoptists (British and Irish Orthoptic Society, BIOS) was undertaken to scope vision services for stroke survivors. Results: At the time of this survey, there were 223 orthoptic departments and 227 stroke units in the UK and Ireland. 317 responses were received representing 178 orthoptic departments – an 80% response rate for orthoptic departments. Of the respondents, 92% reported having a stroke unit in their hospital. A stroke/vision service was provided by 98% of responding orthoptic departments for 77% of stroke units but with only half providing a vision service on the stroke unit. Only 33% of vision services were funded and funding remains the primary barrier to providing a stroke/vision service. About 85% of respondents were aware of the national clinical guidelines for stroke and the BIOS extended practice guidelines for stroke. Conclusions: There has been a positive increase in awareness of stroke-related visual impairment and a steady improvement in provision of eye care for stroke survivors. However, there remains a lack of provision of specialist vision services specifically on stroke units which infers a health inequality for stroke survivors who have visual impairment. Their visual impairments can remain undetected and thus undiagnosed and unmanaged due to unsatisfactory patient care.

Introduction: It is well documented that socioeconomic disadvantage adversely affects general health and ocular health worldwide. Within orthoptics, while clinicians recognise a relationship between socioeconomic situation and treatment outcome, no previous literature review was found to address this issue. Neither was a UK-specific literature review found to address the same issue for ophthalmology as a whole., Aim: This literature review evaluates evidence for an association between socioeconomic situation and ophthalmic/orthoptic conditions and their treatment outcomes, specifically within the UK., Methods: Keyword searches were conducted on Google Scholar and the University of Liverpool library catalogue. Results for the main analyses were limited to full papers, specific to the UK, written in English. Literature was only included from pre-2000 if more recent evidence was insufficient., Results: There is evidence of socioeconomic disadvantage being associated with the following: reduced visual acuity; reduced attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening appointments; and delayed presentation of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. However, evidence linking socioeconomic disadvantage to AMD is mixed. There is limited evidence of the increased prevalence of amblyopia and subsequent barriers to its treatment for socioeconomically underserved children. There is also evidence of a reduction in quality of life for socioeconomically underserved adults with strabismus., Conclusions: Health inequalities within ophthalmology and orthoptics are reported, but with confounding results for some conditions. Further research should explore the reasons behind the inequalities that are found and identify methods of reducing them., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s).)

Purpose: This study assesses the effect of pleoptic treatment on the stability of visual fixation in children and adolescents with amblyopia of various degrees., Material and Methods: The effect of the treatment in 35 children (35 eyes) with amblyopia of various degrees was evaluated using the MP-1 Microperimeter. The stability was determined by two criteria - number of fixation point hits in the 2° zone and the width of the field of fixation. Children underwent a standard course of treatment., Results: There was an improvement in the stability of visual fixation after treatment. The number of fixation point hits in the 2° zone increased from 44.8±4.1% to 52.6±3.8%. At the same time, the width of the field of fixation after treatment decreased from 6.5±0.7° to 5.2±0.5°. Visual acuity with correction in children with amblyopia correlates with the number of fixation point hits in the 2° zone (direct high correlation "+0.7") and width of the field of fixation (inverse high correlation "-0.7") both before and after the treatment., Conclusion: Stabilization of visual fixation was observed in patients with amblyopia of varying degrees after the pleoptic treatment.

Post-stroke visual impairment (PSVI) affects more than 60% of the people who have a stroke but visual function is not routinely assessed in most stroke units. Recent high-quality research in this field has produced evidence-based assessment and management practices for PSVI. Orthoptists have integrated into the stroke care team in the United Kingdom (UK) to provide this valuable service. This paper outlines the development and implementation of the first known orthoptic PSVI service in North America. A pilot program was developed between the Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Departments in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. A new referral pathway was established to refer stroke patients with PSVI directly to an orthoptist with specialization in PSVI. Clinical findings from the first year of operation are reported. One hundred and seven visual deficits were suspected by the referring service. Visual field deficits were the most commonly reported PSVI. Diplopia was the most commonly reported oculomotor deficit in this cohort, and visual neglect/inattention was the most common visual perceptual deficit reported. Reading issues were the most commonly reported functional issues. Following assessment by an orthoptist, 45 additional visual deficits were identified and addressed. Stroke patients require assessment and treatment for PSVI. Orthoptists are perfectly suited to PSVI assessment and management. There is an opportunity to increase orthoptists' scope of practice in North America to ensure stroke patients receive specialized vision assessment and treatment.